From ancient archives to ISOS technology
22 May 2002

Did you ever think the time would come when twelfth century manuscripts would be accessible from the web?

The time has come where ancient manuscripts have travelled from monastery libraries to DCU web servers. Last week the Royal Irish Academy held a launch, at which DCU were formally recognised for their contribution and support to ISOS (Irish Script On Screen).

ISOS is a joint project between the Dublin Institute for Advanced Science, School of Celtic Studies and DCU, which has been in existence since 1997 and has dealt with 750,000 requests to date. DCU's school of computer applications is responsible for support and maintenance of the ISOS website.

The involved libraries have consented to allow experienced ISOS staff to digitally record manuscripts previously unseen by the general public because of their precious and fragile state. These digital copies are then forwarded to the school of computer applications who take responsibility for putting these images on the website.

The general public can gain access to this website, but the website also provides a more specialised service to registered scholars across the globe. The scholar's membership entitles them to higher quality downloads of requested manuscript.

So, If you have an interest in the manuscripts or Irish heritage in general visit www.isos.dcu.ie

related links
ISOS
Royal Irish Academy
School of Celtic Studies
National Library of Ireland
Trinity College library
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies